Poughkeepsie … Dutchess County is proud to again sponsor the annual ThinkDIFFERENTLY/Disability, Dream & Do (D3Day) Baseball Camp at Heritage Financial Park in Fishkill on Saturday, Aug. 3, providing an unforgettable day of baseball fun and learning for children and young adults with physical, developmental and intellectual disabilities. The free camp, which exemplifies Dutchess County’s inclusivity and community spirit, is a collaboration with the Hudson Valley Renegades and Disability Dream & Do (D3Day) and will be held from 9:45 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Registration is free and can be completed online at hudson-valley.d3day.fun/home. Space is limited, and spots fill quickly. There are also volunteer opportunities for residents interested in helping during the camp.
County Executive Sue Serino said, “Dutchess County’s ThinkDIFFERENTLY initiative has always been about creating a supportive, inclusive and accessible environment for individuals with disabilities. It is another great example of our community coming together to support one another and create lasting memories. I am excited for residents of all abilities to join the fun at this annual baseball camp – as a participant or as a volunteer!”
Participants get to enjoy an action-packed morning filled with various baseball activities, including hitting, fielding, throwing and base-running exercises with Renegades players and coaches providing instruction and encouragement. Each participant will receive a free camp T-shirt and lunch, as well as tickets to the Renegades’ Aug. 4th game, compliments of the team.
Renegades General Manager Zach Betkowski said, “While our team plays at Heritage Financial Park from April through September, Dutchess County is our home year-round, and we’re proud to give back to the local community through efforts like this annual event. The joy and enthusiasm we see from the participants and their families each year is truly inspiring, and we look forward to another successful camp.”
Volunteers are essential to the success of this camp, and residents are encouraged to share their time and skills to provide a memorable morning of baseball fun. Local individuals, teams, businesses and organizations are invited to sign up to volunteer at d3day.com/register-volunteer.
Community members are also urged to nominate a Dutchess County resident who routinely advocates for individuals of all abilities for the annual “Pulling Each Other Along” Award, given at the end of each D3Day camp, which recognizes the significant contributions of those who have selflessly supported others in the disability community. Residents can submit “Pulling Each Other Along” Award nominees at d3day.com/peoa-award.
Doug Cornfield, executive director of Disability, Dream & Do (D3Day), said, “We are proud to once again collaborate with Dutchess County Government, the Hudson Valley Renegades and other local organizations to inspire children of all abilities to pursue their dreams and passions. Many in Dutchess County share this vision, and we encourage residents to go online and nominate individuals for the ‘Pulling Each Other Along’ Award, so we can honor those in the local community who continually support residents of every ability.”
